It’s a common and frustrating problem: your Amana freezer keeps food frozen solid, but the fridge section feels warm. What causes this? When your Amana refrigerator is warm but the freezer is cold, the likely issue is that the cold air made in the freezer isn’t reaching the fridge. Cold air is made in the freezer area, then a fan pushes it into the fridge section through vents. If this system fails, the freezer stays cold, but the fridge gets warm. Fixing this usually involves finding out why that cold air flow is stopped or blocked. Troubleshooting your Amana fridge not cooling means checking the parts that move and control this air.
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Interpreting the Symptoms
Your freezer works. This tells us the main cooling system is okay. The compressor, condenser, and refrigerant are likely doing their job. The problem lies in getting that cold air from where it’s made (the freezer) to where it’s needed (the fridge). Think of your fridge as having two climates connected by an air duct. If the air duct is blocked or the fan pushing the air stops, one climate (the fridge) loses its cool connection to the cold source (the freezer).
The Path of Cold Air
Cold air starts at the evaporator coil in the freezer. This coil gets very cold. An evaporator fan then blows air over this cold coil. This chilled air is sent into the freezer to cool it. Some of this cold air is then directed through a vent or duct into the fridge part. A damper, often controlled electronically, opens and closes this vent to control how much cold air goes into the fridge. Temperature sensors in both sections tell the fridge’s control board how cold it is. The control board uses this information to turn the fan on and off and open or close the damper. If any part of this path has a problem, the fridge gets warm while the freezer stays cold.
Common Reasons for No Fridge Cooling
Several things can stop cold air from moving from the freezer to the fridge in an Amana refrigerator.
- Evaporator Fan Not Working: The fan blade might be stuck. The fan motor could be bad. If the fan doesn’t spin, cold air stays in the freezer. This is a common cause of an Amana fridge evaporator fan not working issue.
- Airflow Blockage: The vent between the freezer and fridge can get blocked. This is often caused by ice buildup. It can also be blocked by food items pushed too close to the vent inside the freezer or fridge. This is an Amana refrigerator airflow blockage.
- Damper Stuck: The part that opens and closes the vent (the damper) can get stuck. If it’s stuck closed, no cold air gets through. If it’s stuck open, the fridge might get too cold, but usually, the problem is it’s stuck closed or not opening correctly. This is an Amana refrigerator damper stuck problem.
- Defrost System Failure: The freezer evaporator coil collects ice over time. The fridge has a system to melt this ice regularly. If the defrost system fails, ice builds up too much. This heavy ice buildup blocks airflow over the coil and can block the vent to the fridge. This is an Amana fridge defrost system failure and often leads to Amana refrigerator ice buildup on evaporator.
- Temperature Sensor Problems: Thermistors measure the temperature. If the thermistor in the fridge or freezer is faulty, it might tell the control board the wrong temperature. The control board might think the fridge is cold enough and not send cold air. This is an Amana refrigerator thermistor problem.
- Control Board Issues: The main control board is the brain. It takes information from sensors and tells the fan, damper, and defrost system what to do. If the board fails, it might not send the right signals, stopping the cooling process for the fridge section. These are Amana fridge control board issues.
Let’s look closer at each of these parts and how they can cause the fridge to warm up.
Grasping the Evaporator Fan’s Role
The evaporator fan is key. It sits in the freezer, usually behind a back panel. Its job is to blow air over the freezing-cold evaporator coil. This air then cools down. The fan pushes some of this super-cold air into the freezer space. It also pushes some air through the vent into the fridge section.
Symptoms of a Bad Evaporator Fan
- You don’t hear the fan running when the compressor is on.
- The freezer might still feel cold right near the back panel. But the rest of the freezer and the whole fridge section are warm.
- Sometimes, a failing fan makes clicking or scraping noises. This could mean the motor is failing or the fan blade is hitting ice buildup.
Checking the Evaporator Fan
h5 Unplug the Fridge: Safety first. Pull the power plug.
h5 Find the Fan: Open the freezer door. The back panel inside the freezer usually covers the evaporator coil and fan. You might need a screwdriver to remove it. Look for screws around the edges or under plastic caps.
h5 Inspect the Fan Blade: See if the fan blade is blocked. Is there ice touching it? Is anything else in the way? Clear any blockages gently.
h5 Test the Motor: With the back panel off, plug the fridge back in (be careful!). Open the freezer door and push the door switch. This switch tells the fridge the door is open, which usually stops the fan. Push and hold the switch button. Listen carefully. The fan should start spinning. If you hear nothing or just humming, the motor is likely bad. If it spins slowly or makes noise, it’s failing.
h5 Fan Replacement: Replacing the evaporator fan motor or blade usually requires ordering the correct part for your Amana model. It involves disconnecting wires and unscrewing the old motor.
Deciphering Defrost System Failure
Amana refrigerators have a defrost cycle. This is a regular process that melts away any frost or ice that builds up on the evaporator coil. If the defrost system doesn’t work, ice keeps building up. This ice acts like a wall. It blocks air from flowing over the coil to get cold. It also blocks the vent that sends cold air to the fridge. A lot of ice in the freezer, especially on the back wall behind the panel, is a big sign of an Amana fridge defrost system failure. This looks like Amana refrigerator ice buildup on evaporator.
Parts of the Defrost System
- Defrost Heater: This is a heating element, usually a metal rod or a wire under or attached to the evaporator coil. It heats up to melt ice.
- Defrost Thermostat (or Bi-metal): This is a safety switch. It senses the temperature of the evaporator coil. It makes sure the heater only turns on when the coil is cold (below freezing) and turns the heater off when the ice is melted and the coil gets warm enough. This prevents the heater from overheating.
- Defrost Timer or Control Board: This controls how often and how long the defrost cycle runs. In older models, it’s a simple timer. In newer models, the main control board handles this based on time and sometimes how many times the door is opened.
Symptoms of Defrost Failure
- Heavy frost or ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer, behind the panel. This ice may be thick.
- The freezer might seem colder than normal in some spots but not everywhere.
- The fridge section is warm.
- You might hear dripping sounds in the freezer as some ice melts slightly, but the main buildup stays.
Checking the Defrost System
h5 Unplug the Fridge: Always start by unplugging the power cord.
h5 Access the Evaporator: Remove the back panel in the freezer to see the evaporator coil.
h5 Inspect for Ice: Look for large amounts of ice on the coil and blocking the fan and air vents. If there’s heavy ice, the defrost system has failed.
h5 Manual Defrost: To see if this is the core issue, you can manually defrost the fridge. Unplug it and leave the doors open for 24-48 hours, placing towels on the floor to catch water. Use a fan to speed it up. Do not use a hairdryer or heat gun as this can melt plastic parts. Once all the ice is gone, plug the fridge back in. If the fridge cools correctly for a few days or weeks before warming up again, the defrost system is definitely the problem.
h5 Testing Components (Advanced): Checking the individual defrost heater, thermostat, or control board requires a multimeter to test for electrical continuity and resistance. This is often best left to a technician unless you are comfortable with electrical testing. Parts like the defrost thermostat or heater can fail. The control board or timer can also fail to start the defrost cycle.
Fathoming the Air Damper
The air damper is a door or gate between the freezer and fridge sections. It opens and closes to let cold air flow into the fridge. This helps control the temperature in the fridge. If the damper is stuck closed, no cold air can enter the fridge, even if the fan is running and there’s no ice. This is an Amana refrigerator damper stuck problem.
Damper Types
- Manual Dampers: Some older models have a slider control in the fridge or freezer that you move to adjust airflow.
- Automatic (Electronic) Dampers: Most modern Amana fridges have an electronic damper. The control board operates it based on the temperature sensed by the thermistors.
Symptoms of a Stuck Damper
- The freezer is cold.
- The fridge is warm.
- You can hear the evaporator fan running in the freezer, but feel very little or no cold air coming from the fridge vents.
Checking the Damper
h5 Find the Damper: The damper is usually located inside the fridge section, near where the cold air enters from the freezer. Look for vents on the back or top wall of the fridge. The damper might be behind a cover over these vents.
h5 Inspect for Obstructions: Check if anything is physically blocking the damper from opening. This could be a food item pushed against the vent. Ice buildup can also sometimes block a damper, though this is less common than ice on the evaporator coil itself.
h5 Test Electronic Damper: If you have an electronic damper, it’s harder to test without knowing its normal operation or using a multimeter. You might be able to visually inspect it. Unplug the fridge, carefully remove the cover if needed (consult your manual for how to access it). Check if the damper blade moves freely by hand (gently). If it feels stiff or stuck, it might be the issue. The motor that controls it can also fail.
h5 Manual Damper Check: If you have a manual slide control, move it back and forth. Make sure the actual flap behind the vent is moving. Ensure it’s set to a colder setting (more airflow to the fridge).
h5 Damper Replacement: An electronic damper is often a single unit that needs to be replaced if the motor is bad or it’s mechanically stuck internally.
Assessing Airflow Blockage
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a faulty part but simply that the path for the cold air is blocked. As mentioned, ice buildup from a defrost failure is a common cause of Amana refrigerator airflow blockage. However, items inside the fridge or freezer can also be the culprits.
How Blockages Happen
- Ice Buildup: The most common blockage, usually due to a defrost system problem.
- Food Items: Boxes, bags, or even ice cream cartons pushed tightly against the air vents in the freezer or fridge. In Amana side by side fridge not cooling scenarios, this can be particularly common as shelves can get very full.
- Frost/Ice in Ducts: Even if the main evaporator coil isn’t covered in ice, frost can sometimes build up within the air duct that carries air to the fridge, especially if there’s a seal issue or the damper is slightly open allowing humid air in.
Checking for Blockages
h5 Clear the Vents: Look at the air vents in both the freezer and the fridge. Are they clear? Move all food items away from the back and side walls, especially near any vents.
h5 Inspect the Duct: If you’ve removed the back panel in the freezer, look into the opening where the air goes towards the fridge. Is there ice blocking this opening? Is there anything else in the way?
h5 Check Fridge Vents: In the fridge section, find the cold air inlet vent. Is anything blocking it? Sometimes a build-up of frost can happen right at the vent itself if warm, humid air is entering the fridge (e.g., from a poor door seal).
h5 Look for Ice: If you see significant ice, it points back to a defrost issue causing the blockage. You’ll need to address the defrost system problem after manually defrosting.
Interpreting Thermistor Problems
Thermistors are small temperature sensors. They are like the eyes of the control board, telling it how cold different parts of the fridge and freezer are. Amana refrigerators typically have thermistors in both the freezer and the fridge sections, and sometimes on the evaporator coil itself. If a thermistor fails, it can send wrong temperature readings to the control board.
Symptoms of a Bad Thermistor
- Fridge temperature is wrong (too warm or sometimes too cold).
- The fan and damper might not work correctly because the control board thinks the temperature is already correct.
- The defrost cycle might not run correctly if the evaporator thermistor is faulty.
- Sometimes, strange temperature swings can happen.
Checking Thermistors (Advanced)
h5 Locate Thermistors: Find the thermistors. The fridge thermistor is usually near the cold air inlet vent or attached to the wall. The freezer thermistor is often near the evaporator coil.
h5 Unplug the Fridge: Disconnect power before working on electrical parts.
h5 Test with a Multimeter: Thermistors change their electrical resistance based on temperature. Testing them accurately requires a multimeter and knowing the specific resistance values your Amana model’s thermistors should have at different temperatures. This information is usually in the service manual for your fridge model. You disconnect the thermistor and measure its resistance. You can test it at room temperature, or place it in ice water to test it at freezing point. Compare your readings to the expected values. If the readings are far off, the thermistor is bad.
h5 Thermistor Replacement: If a thermistor is bad, it needs to be replaced with the exact part number for your model.
Considering Control Board Issues
The main control board is the central computer of your Amana refrigerator. It receives input from the thermistors, door switches, and user settings. Based on this, it decides when to run the compressor, when to turn the evaporator fan on, when to open/close the damper, and when to start the defrost cycle. A problem with the control board (Amana fridge control board issues) can cause any of the other components to fail or act erratically, leading to the fridge warming up.
Symptoms of Control Board Issues
- Multiple parts seem to be failing at once (e.g., fan not running, defrost not working).
- Fridge behavior is unpredictable.
- Display panel errors (if your model has one).
- No power to components that should be running.
Checking the Control Board (Advanced)
h5 Unplug the Fridge: Disconnect power.
h5 Visual Inspection: Sometimes you can see physical damage on the board, like burnt spots or swollen components. However, often a bad board looks perfectly fine.
h5 Testing: Testing a control board is difficult without specialized knowledge and tools. You can check if the board is receiving power. You can also check if it’s sending power to components like the fan or damper when it should be. This requires testing voltage at different points on the board or connectors, which can be risky and is best done by a professional.
h5 Replacement: Control boards are specific to the fridge model. If you suspect the control board is the problem and other components test fine, replacing the board is often the next step. This can be an expensive part.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Amana Fridge Not Cooling
Here is a guide on how to check the most common causes yourself when your Amana refrigerator is warm but freezer cold.
Step 1: Basic Checks
- Is the fridge plugged in fully? Sounds simple, but double-check.
- Are the doors closing fully? Make sure nothing is blocking the doors. A poor seal lets warm air in, especially into the fridge. Clean the door gaskets.
- Are vents blocked by food? Look in both the freezer and fridge. Move everything away from the back and sides, especially near any vents.
- Check temperature settings. Are they set correctly? Sometimes controls are accidentally changed.
Step 2: Listen for the Evaporator Fan
- Open the fridge door. You might hear the fan stop.
- Close the fridge door. Listen closely at the freezer door or the vent between sections. Can you hear a fan running?
- If your fridge has an automatic light switch button that the door pushes, push and hold it in with the door open and listen. The fan should usually run with the door switch held in.
- If you hear no fan, or a very weak or noisy fan, this is a likely problem (Amana fridge evaporator fan not working).
Step 3: Look for Ice Buildup
- Unplug the fridge.
- Open the freezer door and remove the back panel covering the evaporator coil.
- Look closely at the coil and the back wall. Is there a thick layer of ice? Is the coil buried in ice?
- Heavy ice means the defrost system is not working (Amana fridge defrost system failure, Amana refrigerator ice buildup evaporator).
Step 4: Check the Air Damper
- Unplug the fridge.
- Find the air vent in the fridge section where cold air comes in from the freezer.
- If possible, look into the vent or remove the cover (check your manual). Can you see a flap or door?
- Does it appear open or closed? Gently try to move it by hand (if it’s an electronic damper, be very gentle). Does it seem stuck (Amana refrigerator damper stuck)?
- If it’s a manual damper, is the slider set to allow air into the fridge?
Step 5: Inspect Air Vents and Ducts
- With the back panel off the freezer (from Step 3), look at the opening where air goes towards the fridge. Is it blocked by ice or anything else (Amana refrigerator airflow blockage)?
- Are the vents in the fridge section completely clear?
Step 6: Consider Less Common Issues (Thermistors, Control Board)
- If the fan runs, there’s no major ice buildup, the damper seems okay, and vents are clear, the problem could be a faulty thermistor (Amana refrigerator thermistor problems) giving wrong readings, or a problem with the control board (Amana fridge control board issues) not sending the correct signals.
- Testing these requires more technical skill and tools.
Summary of Troubleshooting Steps
| Step | What to Check | Common Findings | Possible Problem | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Basic Checks | Plug, doors, food blocking vents, settings | Door open, food against vent, wrong settings | Simple blockage, user error | Adjust food, clear vents, check settings, close doors |
| 2: Listen for Fan | Evaporator fan in freezer | No fan sound, weak sound, noisy fan | Amana fridge evaporator fan not working | Inspect fan blade, test fan motor, replace fan if needed |
| 3: Look for Ice | Ice on freezer back wall/evaporator coil | Heavy ice buildup | Amana fridge defrost system failure, Ice buildup evaporator | Manual defrost, test/replace defrost components (heater, thermostat) |
| 4: Check Damper | Air vent damper between freezer/fridge | Damper stuck closed | Amana refrigerator damper stuck | Inspect for blockage, gently free, replace electronic damper motor |
| 5: Inspect Airflow Path | Vents and duct between freezer and fridge | Blocked vents, ice in duct | Amana refrigerator airflow blockage | Clear blockages, manual defrost if ice is present |
| 6: Advanced Issues | Thermistors, Control Board | Readings off, erratic behavior, no power to parts | Amana refrigerator thermistor problems, Amana fridge control board issues | Test components (requires multimeter), replace faulty part |
Specifics for Amana Side by Side Fridges
Amana side by side fridge not cooling issues follow the same principles. Cold air is made in the freezer side (usually the narrower section) and blown into the fridge side. The main difference is the location of the vent and damper – they are typically in the vertical wall between the two sections. Airflow blockages in side-by-side models can happen easily if items in the freezer are packed tightly against the back panel or if items in the fridge block the vent on the dividing wall. The troubleshooting steps remain largely the same: check the fan in the freezer, look for ice buildup, find and check the damper in the dividing wall, and ensure vents are clear.
When to Call a Professional
While many of these checks are possible for a DIYer, some steps require electrical testing or involve parts that are harder to reach. You should call a repair technician if:
- You are not comfortable working with electrical components.
- Testing shows the defrost heater, thermistor, or control board is bad, and you don’t feel comfortable replacing them.
- You’ve done all the checks but can’t find the problem.
- Manual defrost fixes the issue temporarily, but you can’t identify which part of the defrost system failed.
- The problem comes back repeatedly.
Repair technicians have the right tools, knowledge of specific Amana models, and access to parts. They can quickly diagnose and fix issues that might take you much longer.
Preventing Future Problems
Once you fix your Amana fridge not cooling issue, follow these tips to help prevent it from happening again:
- Do Not Overpack: Do not pack the freezer or fridge so full that items block the air vents. Leave space for air to circulate, especially around the back wall of the freezer and the cold air vent in the fridge.
- Check Door Seals: Make sure the door gaskets are clean and seal tightly. A poor seal lets in warm, humid air, which leads to frost buildup, especially on the evaporator coil. Clean seals with mild soap and water. Test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper; you should feel resistance when pulling it out.
- Keep Coils Clean: The condenser coils (usually underneath or behind the fridge) can get dusty. Dust makes the compressor work harder, though this is less likely to cause the freezer-cold/fridge-warm issue specifically, it’s good for overall fridge health. Clean them every 6-12 months. Unplug the fridge first.
- Monitor for Frost: Occasionally look inside the freezer for signs of unusual frost buildup on the back wall. Catching a defrost problem early can prevent a major ice blockage.
- Maintain Proper Settings: Avoid setting the freezer temperature too low if not needed, as this can sometimes increase frost risk.
FAQ
h4 How long does it take for an Amana fridge to get cold after fixing?
After fixing the problem (like clearing ice or replacing a fan), it can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for the fridge section to reach its target temperature (around 37-40°F or 3-4°C). This depends on how warm it got, how much food is inside, and the specific model.
h4 Can a bad door seal cause the fridge to be warm but the freezer cold?
Yes. A bad door seal, especially on the freezer, can let in warm, moist air. This causes excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coil. Heavy frost blocks airflow to the fridge section, causing it to warm up.
h4 Where is the air vent between the freezer and fridge in an Amana refrigerator?
The location varies by model. In top-freezer models, it’s usually in the bottom of the freezer, leading down into the top of the fridge. In side-by-side models, it’s typically in the vertical wall between the freezer and fridge sections, often near the top. Look for a series of slots or a grille.
h4 How do I manually defrost my Amana refrigerator?
To manually defrost, unplug the refrigerator. Open both the freezer and fridge doors fully. Place towels or containers on the floor to catch water as the ice melts. You can use a fan blowing into the compartments to speed up the process. Let it sit for 24-48 hours until all ice is melted. Do not use heat guns or sharp objects.
h4 Is it safe to eat food from a warm fridge?
No. If your fridge has been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, perishable food like meat, dairy, and leftovers should be thrown away, even if it looks and smells okay. The freezer food should be safe if it remained frozen solid.
h4 How much does it cost to fix an Amana fridge not cooling?
The cost varies greatly depending on the part that failed and whether you do it yourself or hire a technician. A replacement fan motor or thermistor might cost $50-$200 for the part. A control board can be $100-$300 or more. Hiring a technician adds labor costs, typically $100-$300 per hour, plus a service call fee. Simple fixes like clearing blockages cost nothing but your time.
h4 Can I use a hairdryer to melt ice on the evaporator coil?
No. Using a hairdryer or heat gun can melt the plastic parts inside your freezer or even damage the refrigerant lines. Always unplug the fridge and allow the ice to melt naturally, perhaps using a fan to speed the airflow and melting.
Solving the mystery of why your Amana fridge isn’t cooling while the freezer works boils down to checking the system that moves cold air. By methodically inspecting the fan, looking for ice, checking the damper and vents, and understanding when to call for help, you can likely get your fridge cold again.